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Penance Mods ([personal profile] penancemods) wrote in [community profile] penancememes2021-06-26 02:37 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #25

Arrival
"Judgement has come upon you. God has deemed you worthy of Hell. But don't worry, it can still be undone," comes a soothing voice that echoes all around you. The voice promises comfort, hope even.

It may seem like a nightmare at first, despite all of that. Full of hellfire nipping at your skin and a sensation of being pulled down no matter how much you struggle or cry for help. Wretched, unseen hands pull at you, grip tight at your body, tighten on your throat, skeletal fingers grab at your face, slide in your mouth and jab at your eyes as they struggle for purchase. It feels like for a moment, they may snap your neck as they tug and pull. The more you resist, the more phantom hands are added to your struggling body.

It feels like they could tear you apart if you let them. The only thing to do is to let go and stop fighting.

And so you do.

Darkness consumes you for a second.

Initially, everyone opens their eyes to a long, dark corridor made of stone. They find themselves in what appears to be a long queue with other sinners, palm bloody with a contract clutched in their uninjured hand that they don't remember signing.

Characters find their bodies feel heavy and stiff, bruised with odd hand prints here and there that they received during their journey down below. A massive headache throbs behind their temples.

If they look at the list in their hand, they'll notice it's written on with their blood. That explains the wound then. It's an old piece of parchment that details every sin they've committed.

As they move along the queue, they'll find a demon waiting to pass them a communication device that looks almost like a very old Blackberry type phone.

"Welcome to Penance," the demon says gruffly before motioning them on without an ounce of courtesy. "Don't hold up the line. This trip is gonna take longer, but at least you get a vacation..."

Once characters have their device and their contracts, they're ushered further down the hall until they come to a set of stairs. They seem to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon what appears to be a door that's alight with white energy. Stepping through, they find themselves on an island.

There's a demon with striking animal features waiting at the start of a long path where an old castle can be seen looming over a quaint, old village. There's music on the air, celebrations clearly taking place. It's explained that while Lucifer rests and recovers, Mammon will be taking his place. Hell is, for the moment, a pleasurable experience they will heartily insist.

Unfortunately, there is a bit of a trek ahead still. The demon urges them on.


Stand Your Ground
With the carnival leaving, vanishing seemingly overnight, and sinners finding their animal features fading into bad dreams, Lucifer is preparing two ships for the voyage home in a couple of weeks. He seems rather anxious to get back to Penance after the carnival's grotesque entertainment at the expense of his sinners, although he seems to strain to maintain good relations with Mammon. The local demons remain accommodating and friendly for the moment as well, seemingly not finding anything at all wrong with their previous behavior.

The tavern is still bustling, the brothels are still enticing, and everything seems largely back to normal. There are back alleys for the additional mischief of drugs, pain, and pleasure as usual. There are busy shops and salons. Things one may not always find back under Lucifer's care, so sinners would be wise to spoil themselves one last time!

Additionally, there's the feeling of magic in the air that wasn't there before. It's not ominous, it's not terrifying. It's a tingle against the skin or a feeling of exhilaration when one is out and exposed to it. Curiously, things begin to happen. Those artistically inclined will find their sketches coming to life over night and causing mischief. Sinners who have no interest in art will still find sketches drawn on windows and the sides of buildings all throughout the tiny village. They may even witness these things coming to life if they're out late enough!

Animals may also develop an ability to speak over the next few days, whether it's demanding to be fed or revealing some embarrassing thing they've seen their master (or their master's friends) do in private. Though their population has been depleted thanks to sinner antics, these particular hybrids eagerly scurry up to guests to deliver acorns. If opened, the acorn will share a message. They seem intent to make a little bit of mischief for their trouble and may reveal feelings others have for you, something bad from home, or an ominous message to be wary, it will vary. It may also carry a much more important message such as The Veiled Order awaits your return or Barbas isn't done yet, Mammon's greed will be the end of him is also a rather popular one. Shouldn't have trusted the apples, but that's just silly, isn't it? They were perfectly fine apples!

The fun seems almost at an end as days go on though. There are whispers in the air that Lucifer is planning a bit of a detour for some sinners to explore cult activity. But those are just rumors for now! Nothing more than whispers in the wind.

A few days into the last two weeks of the trip, the weather seems to take a bit of a turn. There's an almost unseasonable chill in the air, with a steady rain that follows. It's a mix of water and blood, which makes it a bit of a chore to adventure too much in it. Raincoats and umbrellas are available for all guests in the castle. The local demons seem to not mind much at all, dancing in the puddles of rain or playing freely in the streets. They seem to be rather satisfied with weather they don't see much of.

While the carnival is out of town, there are still some goods that remain in the form of plush toys of Lucifer, Lilith, Mammon, and even a couple of Barbas. Strangely enough, there may also be one or two available of sinners, seemingly at random. There are also hell fish one can buy for pets if the dragons don't tickle your fancy!


A Curse Befalls the Wicked
What would such a fantastical setting be without a visiting old witch? One evening, in steps an old crone to the village. Where did she come from? No one knows. How did she get in? Uncertain. The local demons seem to be rather standoffish with the way she goes from shop to shop, asking for food or drink or item that they refuse to give. She's an outsider that was not invited by their ruler, she's not deserving of their hospitality. She unsettles the animals in the pet shops and those loose in the village, she spreads unrest wherever her path leads. Looking at her too long sends a disturbing shiver down one's spine.

Still, despite the lukewarm welcome, she eventually approaches sinners to plea for help or to chat or even simply to ask the time of day. While her presence is unnerving, it's recommended to take caution. Sinners, be wary! Slight this witch in any way and you will receive her wrath -- and her curses! She spits her magic in a vile and ancient tongue, turning from old lady to something downright disturbingly demonic.

What the curse does will depend heavily on how the sinner managed to anger the witch:

For rudeness or dismissiveness shown towards the witch, some may find themselves drawn into a tale as old as time. Cursed with the supposed wickedness of their soul on display for all to see and a tiny rose. As if that wasn't bad enough, they will have to convinced another that they are not as terrible as their appearance indicates. Desperation may lead to the desire to kidnap another or threaten, for as the petals drop from the rose, the witch threatens that their physical attributes will remain. How their beastly appearance manifests is left up to player discretion.

If another sinner can find love or understanding for their captor, then the spell will be broken.

For aggression or violence, sinners will find themselves reduced to a frog or other unsavory tiny animal, with little other choice but to try to find someone who is willing to give them a little kiss to restore them back to their mortal form. Failing to do so will mean they will be stuck in this form until the witch decides to have mercy, or Lucifer finds a way to undo the spell.

However, for kindness or sympathy, sinners will be rewarded. They will receive a golden medallion with a ruby stone in the center. The witch will promise that all who receive one will be protected against zealots or those who would do them harm since the stone will light up whenever the Veiled Order is near.

Eventually, by the end of the second week, there will begin a hunt for this naughty witch who has been keeping herself hidden. And similar to a tale we are all familiar with, she will be put to death by means of being cooked alive in a fire pit in the center of the village. Grotesque and violent perhaps, but the demons seem to rather rejoice at the display, glad that this will also break all the curses plaguing the village.


Reach Up High
WARNINGS: foot torture, severing of limbs, loss of control.

There is always an opportunity to learn and better one's self in every venture you undertake and now is no different, sinners! While treatment of the old witch may factor in for one's journey on redemption, there will be a chance to remove one sin from one's contract!

"Unfortunately, all good things must end, darling," Lucifer's voice rings out in the ears of all present sinners, familiar to some and new to others. He's nowhere to be found, but the tone of his voice is reassuring.

"And I am to aid you on your path to redemption still. The dreadful old witch has seen fit to curse some of you, I realize. the shoes upon your feet will soon fill you with the insatiable need to dance... and certainly, this seems almost deceptively silly, but the urge will not leave until you have confessed a sin you are most ashamed of. Loud and proud for all to hear. If you resist, darling, you will dance to your death. It will be an ugly, dreadful affair, I assure you."

It starts like an itch at first, to move your feet, to move your arms. It's easy to ignore in the beginning, the restlessness itching just beneath one's skin. It threatens to grow and consume though the longer it goes on though.

"Of course, should those around you feel like taking pity upon you, then they may aid you. Should they find a way to cut the shoes from your feet as they begin to meld with your flesh, or severe them entirely, the urge will leave you. Don't worry, my dear friend Mammon has healers on staff to help your injuries. And I do remind you, pain can be a centering force. It can also show you who you truly are inside. Please embrace it and do not fear it."

The longer sinners resist, the more they'll feel this urge to just move, dance. Even when their feet begin to bleed and their bodies begin to wear out, they will not be able to stop.

"And do not worry about being the one to inflict pain, my dear guests. It is for a good purpose... sometimes we have to hurt those we love to help them in the end."

If the shoes are removed, either by cutting them from the flesh or removing feet entirely, both sinners will earn a sin removed. If the sinner afflicted announced one of their worst sins, they will find it removed from their list. If they dance until they die, well... they died for stubbornness and will find the sin remains.


You Mustn't Be Late for the Ball
And what would Hell be without a farewell celebration? While Lucifer seems to be very uncomfortable after his last experience at a party, where guests attempted to drink his blood, he is polite enough to make an appearance in the grand ballroom in Mammon's castle. Dressed to absolute perfection for the event, Lucifer will urge his sinners to come to the celebration as well. Mustn't be rude to their savior after all. He may shy away from center stage or try to slip out, but sinners shouldn't let that discourage them from enjoying the grand affair! Happening towards the end of this little journey to foreign lands, the ballroom will be lit up brightly and music that encourages dancing and a good mood will fill the air. Food galore is available, as well as free flowing drinks, drugs, and anything else one could want!

There is one little tiny catch though! All who attend must put on the formal wear left for them in their hotels. The style of the clothes made available will veer towards old fashioned. Lovely suits for men, extravagant ball gowns for women. Should anyone show up not dressed in everything given, even including corsets and other uncomfortable items, they will find themselves unfortunately naked. Will they endure the shame or will they cave and put on proper attire? Mammon has tried to be accommodating, but truly, he only asks this one thing...

Should anyone try to remove articles or not follow any sort of etiquette proper of their setting during the ball, they will find their corsets tightening, their shoes undeniably uncomfortable, their waistcoast growing more restrictive... Eventually, it will become very apparent that it would be wise to respect the lord of this land's wishes!

Other than that one minor detail though, tonight is a night of celebration. There seems to be something in the air that fuels a good mood and merrymaking during the ball, despite any nagging discomfort. The ball will extend on through the early morning hours, and include an unusual party game. It seems that Mammon is a romantic at heart. There will be names drawn from a hat at some point during the event and surprise, it's for a marriage ceremony! What's a bit of arranged marriage between friends? It's merely a fun part of the evening... although still a binding contract like those made during the casino. While not every name will be called during the ball, it seems as if Mammon has tried to play matchmaker with enough sinners to start some rather lovely marriages. There will be an officiant available to carry out the ceremony and refusal isn't accepted... and possibly even punished. If not punished, sinners will find themselves dosed with something that will make them eager for their upcoming vows.

None of this could possibly because adultery or not honoring vows is a sin. It's just for amusement, that's all. Don't worry so much, sinners! Guests are free to return to their rooms at any point. Ah, well, just go to sleep and wish for better in the morning? Hopefully no ribs or toes were broken by tightening, unforgiving corsets or shoes intended to punish either.

[Note: While these marriages are arranged ICly, players are encouraged to talk and decide their partners for themselves and may marry multiple people through the course of the evening. Polyamorous relationships are hardly an issue in Hell!]


Follow Me Down
WARNINGS: sexual themes, somnophilia, dub/non-con potentials, potential vore, animal-like traits, mating.

Those inflicted with the Sleeping Beauty curse will unfortunately find themselves in a deep slumber throughout Mammon's lands, dropping wherever they were. Ever eager to do their part to help sinners along, the succubi of these lands take their sleeping forms and dress them in extravagant fashions and lingerie. They also lay them in beds full of flowers in inviting, provocative poses. If sinners near these sleeping forms, they will be taken with a sweet scent given by the flowers that will incite a need. The aphrodisiacs will be potent, all consuming.

After all, what will awaken these sleeping beauties isn't simply true love's kiss, but the most satisfying orgasm. This may mean people will have to take multiple turns to rouse the sleeping person. Of course, there will be toys, aids, and various kinds of lube available to aid in whatever sinners need to accomplish their task.

For those who aren't quite interested in rousing the beauties, there are other antics to be had! People may find themselves cursed with wolf-like tendencies that may make them want to devour the innocent or defenseless in every sense of the word. It may also make certain anatomical changes ranging from fur to tails to the ability to knot while mating. Sharper teeth, better to eat one with, may also be included in the curse.


Wildcard/Misc.
Don't see something you love but still want to get a feel for the game? Check out our extensive list of LOCATIONS and write up your very own prompt however you'd like to! You can also add a "NETWORK" post option to your TL for quick, easy, and fun interactions.



And without further ado: Welcome to our new TDM for the July 1st app round! As always, potential appers and characters already in game are welcomed to jump right in! This TDM counts as an additional game event as well as game canon for those coming into the game. If you app and are accepted, TDM tags become game canon and can be used for AC! Please have fun and don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have down below.

If you have questions, comments, suggestions, etc., go here.


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minuteofangle: (008)

[personal profile] minuteofangle 2021-06-27 07:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He grins. ]

I do all right.

[ It's a low, easy confidence. Blurring over into arrogance occasionally, but he likes that mask. It keeps things interesting. Keeps people looking at him in one way, in a direction he can manipulate. Why would someone arrogant and flashy be smart? Why would they ever serve as a sniper?

Nah. He's just an arrogant blowhard. An old, familiar mask. Why would he be anything else?

He hums in agreement. Her dress is big. Old school. Probably uncomfortable as fuck. ]


Sure does.

[ His tech has a couple drawbacks. That's one of them. It doesn't scan for color. ]
meekandthebold: (pic#14895918)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-06-27 09:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Gotcha.

It's a small victory. She doesn't know how knowing that Rodriguez can't see colors - or at least, can't distinguish between green and blue - might help her in the future. But it's a weakness. A potential advantage.

The feeling of triumph never shows on her face, but she does raise her eyebrows at his easy acceptance of the compliment. Confident. Almost cocky. How much of that is delibrate, a disguise as carefully crafted as her own? But she just laughs. ]


Bet you're beating off the ladies with a stick.
minuteofangle: (100)

[personal profile] minuteofangle 2021-06-27 09:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[ That just gets an easy shrug. He angles his gaze like he's scanning the room, keeping an eye on things. Or maybe googling all the pretty, pretty people. Whichever story fits him best, whichever mask she's primed to accept. Most people don't look all that deeply. But then, she's always struck him as a touch smarter than most.

He'll have to be careful about that, won't he? ]


Mhmm. Ladies aren't my thing.

[ It's said in a drawl, some of his original accent bleeding through. Echo's got a tang, people say. The consonants go sharp. And it's said casually. Despite his masks - and oh, he's got plenty - that's not something he's ever bothered hiding. ]

What about you? Pretty lady like you, got your eye on anyone?

[ Masks or not, he's also a shameless gossip. People reveal all sorts of things when they talk at parties. ]
meekandthebold: (pic#14856616)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-06-27 10:56 pm (UTC)(link)
My mistake.

[ Another nugget of knowledge, and one that takes her a step further towards verifying some earlier suspicions. This one isn't as fun, though, as she lets her gaze follow his, trying to guess who he might be looking at. Or looking for. Because while trying to suss out Rodriguez' secrets has become almost a game, a challenging and occasionally rewarding puzzle, the thought of possibly confirming one of Daryl's when he hadn't told her himself makes her feel uneasy and a little gross. Especially now.

But even the thought of maybe makes her all that much more determined to find out exactly who Rodriguez is. What he's hiding, and why. How much of a threat he might be. ]


No.

[ She shakes her head, chuckling like the very idea is absurd. Which...it kind of is. The way things had ended the last time...it's still too raw, too recent. She's not looking to jump into anything new. That had never been her style, anyway. ]

Just enjoying the party.

But I wouldn't say no to a dance.
minuteofangle: (100)

[personal profile] minuteofangle 2021-06-27 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Gabe hums, tipping his head back. ]

I’ll dance with you, if you want. Why not?

[ He likes dancing. Genuinely likes it. And hey, he won’t grab her ass. Plus, it’ll give him a better sense of how she moves and that might be interesting on its own. ]
meekandthebold: (pic#14978979)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-06-28 12:06 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah?

[ She lights up a little at that, before biting back a grin and shrugging her shoulders. She's looking forward to seeing how Rodriguez moves, too. Enough so that she's willing to risk him maybe finding out a little more about her in the way she dances in return. ]

Sure, why not?

[ But she nods to the half-full wineglass in his hand. ]

You'll want to finish that first. Might not be smart to put it down and pick it up again later.
minuteofangle: (008)

[personal profile] minuteofangle 2021-06-28 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah.

[ He shrugs, then sets the glass aside without downing it. Might be a little too obvious that he doesn't care, that he hasn't been drinking anything in the first place, but he'll play it off as carelessness. Maybe a little arrogance just for spice. ]

Eh, I'll get another. You wanna waltz?
meekandthebold: (pic#14978997)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-06-28 01:28 am (UTC)(link)
You know how to waltz?

[ Forget the wine and whether he is or isn't drinking it. That actually surprises her, her eyes widening with delight and disbelief. ]

I would love to.
minuteofangle: (031)

[personal profile] minuteofangle 2021-06-28 01:34 am (UTC)(link)
[ Well, all right then. Gabe grins, nodding. His smile is genuine - and a touch warmer than before. ]

Yeah. I know a whole bunch.

[ Waltz, tango, foxtrot. The whole spread. He offers out his hand to her. ]

C'mon. Let's have some fun.
meekandthebold: (pic#14890084)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-06-28 01:51 am (UTC)(link)
[ Huh. He looks more real, more genuine, than she thinks maybe she's seen him yet. Carol eyes him curiously, more intrigued than ever, but when she smiles in return it's just as genuine. She sets down the plate she'd been holding, as unconcerned with discarding her food as he had been with his wine, and takes his hand, stepping forward. ]

It's been a while. Be patient with me.

minuteofangle: (106)

[personal profile] minuteofangle 2021-06-28 01:59 am (UTC)(link)
We got time.

[ And he likes dancing. All kinds, but especially like this when there are steps to follow, a pattern to follow and a partner to match. He taught Nacho a little while ago but they didn't have music. And while he's not sure he likes how the night's going, not with the threat of more bullshit waiting in the wings, but this?

This could be nice, for a little bit. And that's worth taking.

He toggles his nanotech again, making sure he doesn't crash into anyone by accident as they step onto the dance floor. It's a trick, but one he's had a while to master. Up close, there's always the chance that she could get a good look at his prosthetics. They look good from a distance, but up close, up close you can tell. But then, he has a feeling she guessed a while back, maybe even when they first met. And it feels good to have this, even for a little while. Sometimes you make compromises to stay sane.

It's only for a little while. It could be nice.

He shifts into position, his hand on her shoulder blade. Nice and easy. ]


Ready?
meekandthebold: (pic#14927964)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-06-28 03:09 am (UTC)(link)
[ He even positions himself like he's learned properly, hand up high on her back rather than down at her waist. What a gentleman. Carol reaches up to his shoulder, settles her other hand in his, and listens to the music, picking out the rhythm they'll follow. One-two-three, one-two-three. It's surprisingly nice music, for Hell. ]

Mmhmm.

[ She waits for him to start off, more than happy to let him lead. Anything that lets her learn more about him while subtly portraying herself as more passive. And it has been a while, her steps a little stiff and awkward at first, but she finds herself falling into the rhythm faster than she'd expected. Her long skirt - the first she'd worn in decades - billows around her. She smiles. ]

This is lovely.
minuteofangle: (106)

[personal profile] minuteofangle 2021-06-28 03:33 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's been a while since he's done a formal waltz with anyone, but the pattern's an easy one to follow. Gabe moves well, humming to himself as they go. Confident and controlled. That's the trick, listening to your partner. Learning how to move with them. An old lesson. He learned as a kid, back when he and Mateo were in the middle of their worst fights and their anger management wasn't cutting it anymore. And so they got shoved off to dance classes, each brother to a separate one so they wouldn't end up trying to strangle each other in the middle, and the lesson was how to touch someone else without violence. It shouldn't have worked. It didn't stop their fighting, or what came after. But it was something that Gabe kept, in the end. Years later, he still loves dancing. The patterns, the way it swings into something meditative. People don't expect it of him. Why would they?

He smiles. The expression is a little small, but genuine. ]


We're doing all right.

[ She started out a little stiff but she's picked it up quick. Hasn't even stepped on his feet, or gotten tripped up by the skirt. And this close he has a better sense of how she moves, all calm and controlled. But she's stronger than she looks, too. He can feel it when they move together. She's no tank, not like Sunny, but there's strength in her frame, and she moves like someone who thinks about how best to do it.

Hmm. ]


Even Hell's got its moments.
meekandthebold: (pic#14926171)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-06-28 05:54 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, I guess it does.

[ It's easier to forget to keep her mask up like this. Easier to just get swept away in the music and the atmosphere and the beautiful outfits. But then, maybe that's okay. She honestly is feeling a little enchanted right now. Not that different from the way the Carol she's pretending to be, the sweet, harmless, cookie-baking housewife, might feel.

His eyes are more clearly prosthetics from here, but she doesn't even take the opportunity to study them up close like she might have. Even he might notice her staring, she tells herself. Besides. They're dancing. It would be rude. ]


Where'd you learn to waltz?

[ It's honest curiosity as much as anything else this time. This doesn't seem like something he'd learn in SERE training. ]
minuteofangle: (008)

[personal profile] minuteofangle 2021-06-28 01:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Gabe hums in agreement, matching the pattern to the music. Nothing too exciting, but he moves and Carol moves with him and for now, for this brief moment, they do it together. A partnership. It's peaceful. ]

Back home. When I was a kid. Foster parents wanted us out of the house.

[ Got tired of Gabe and Mateo screaming at each other. He huffs a little. ]

I know a bunch. Waltz, tango, you name it.
meekandthebold: (pic#14895917)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-06-29 03:32 am (UTC)(link)
[ Foster parents. She nods, instinctively filing the information away, but doesn't immediately jump to analyzing what it might tell her about him the way she might have in other circumstances. For now, it's enough just to be. Just for a little bit. ]

Well, it was a good investment on their part.

Seems like you missed it, too.
minuteofangle: (106)

[personal profile] minuteofangle 2021-06-29 03:46 am (UTC)(link)
Don't get many chances for it.

[ Not back home. Not here, either. But sometimes Hell has its moments. He smiles. A touch warmer this time. ]

Might as well enjoy it while I can, right?
meekandthebold: (pic#14979014)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-06-29 04:38 am (UTC)(link)
Live in the moment, right?

[ There's definitely something to be said for that philosophy, much as it clashes with her long-honed instinct to stay vigilant, the lesson she'd learned again and again that letting herself relax, letting her guard down, means letting the people she loves be put at risk. But this isn't that. This is one dance.

She looks around at the other couples dancing and the people gathered around the snack tables or just relaxing near the walls. Socializing. Having fun. She opens her mouth to say that it can't possibly be as innocent as it seems, that there has to be some ulterior motive or something horrifying waiting for them at the end of the night, and catches herself just in time. Or maybe just a second too late. ]


I can't believe - I mean. It's nice, isn't it? Maybe there's hope for this place after all.
minuteofangle: (008)

[personal profile] minuteofangle 2021-06-29 01:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Mhmm.

[ Life is rough more often than it's not. The good times don't last. Better to embrace them when they come. Enjoy the good pieces before they start getting an edge. He moves them easily enough, timing it to the music and to Carol. They've figured it out, more or less.

For now, anyway. ]


It's a good moment. Might be bad tomorrow, might not. But this is okay for tonight.
meekandthebold: (pic#14979017)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-06-30 03:03 am (UTC)(link)
[ Already, for Carol, the magic's fading a little. She's just been burned too badly, one too many times. She'd let herself live in the moment with Ezekiel. For six wonderful years, or as wonderful as they could be in her post-apocalyptic world. A fairytale romance. And look how that had turned out.

So the alarm bells are ringing, if only subconsciously. Don't let your guard down. Don't relax. You don't even know him and you don't know what danger's coming next. Her posture changes a little - slightly more tense, slightly more aware of her surroundings. Ready for anything. But she does her best to keep up the act. ]


Maybe it'll be good tomorrow too.

[ It won't. She'd bet anything on it. But she lets herself sound like she believes it, all wistful and hardly daring to hope as she looks up at him. ]

It's possible, isn't it?
minuteofangle: (010)

[personal profile] minuteofangle 2021-06-30 03:12 am (UTC)(link)
[ The song's heading toward the close. And he can feel the tension in her stance now. Hard not to, when they're this close.

Gabe hums to himself. ]


Maybe.

[ Probably not, though. This is Hell. ]

Think you and I should talk.

[ They've been doing plenty of talking. But that's not quite what he means. He thinks maybe they ought to try being honest. ]
meekandthebold: (pic#14978998)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-06-30 03:39 am (UTC)(link)
[ Fuck. She knew this was a mistake. As much as a part of her is dying to agree, wanting nothing more than to stop dancing around (literally, now) and just be frank with each other, the first thing she feels is panic. He could be dangerous. Fuck that, he is dangerous. But he could be dangerous to her.

Stalling for time, still debating with herself and searching for an out if she decides to take it, she gives him her sunniest smile. He'll see right through it. But he hasn't admitted that yet. ]


Don't be silly, we've been talking. I don't want to monopolize your time.
minuteofangle: (100)

[personal profile] minuteofangle 2021-06-30 03:47 am (UTC)(link)
[ Sure, they could probably just talk out here. Keep their voices down, let the moment act as its own distraction. But nearly everyone shows up to these things and it wouldn't be hard for someone to eavesdrop.

He grins. ]


I wouldn't worry about that.

[ That probably sounds like a threat. It wasn't how he meant it. ]

We got mutual friends. And some mutual interests, now.

[ He spins her. Not hard, not enough to trip her up. Every move smooth and controlled. ]

C'mon. I'll buy you a drink.

[ Not that there's money in Hell, but it's the principal of the thing. And not that she'll trust anything he gives her, but that's all right. It's a line, a small ritual. Something to get them out of the crowd so they can say what needs to be said. ]
meekandthebold: (pic#14895917)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-06-30 03:56 am (UTC)(link)
[ It does sound like a threat. Her smile doesn't slip, but it freezes in place a little, her eyes sharp.

This fucking dress. The fucking shoes. She can't run if she needs to, and there'd been no good place to hide her knife. And when he spins her, it only serves as a reminder that he's leading here. That he's in control, at least for the moment. ]


I'm not thirsty.

[ And not touching the drinks whether he's the one offering them or not. But she is curious, despite it all. Her eyes narrow. ]

What mutual interests?
minuteofangle: (001)

[personal profile] minuteofangle 2021-06-30 04:06 am (UTC)(link)
Fair enough. Neither am I.

[ Song’s winding down, anyway. Soon, they’ll either part ways or come and find some of that middle ground he keeps hearing about. ]

I don’t plan on staying here. And unless you’re way more into whips and chains than I thought, I don’t think you do, either.

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